Zen, addiction, & Porsche performance modifications

[youfamissim]

My 1987 930, 400 HP project is planned, purchased, and nearly underway. The 930 is stock. My mechanic skilz are sorely outdated and unused since the late 1970s. So, a toolkit was also part of this project. I will post a detailed report on my adventures that includes: pictures, frustrations, and solutions as these occur. I will attempt to chronicle this project in Pygmy terms - the L.C.D.... for the novice mechanic who wants to work on his Porsche but lacks the technical know how. I am blessed to afford nearly all I need for this project. Your circumstances will vary so I will refine the tool kit and other needed parts as this proceeds. BTW, unsatisfactory and very expensive experiences with my local Porsche dealership is what prompted my choosing to perform repairs myself.

Zen? Yes... I made that promise to myself. I refuse to get torqued. Each repair and modification session will be a learning event and a pleasant experience. (We will see how this promise plays out - so far I am successful.) The goal to modify my 930 to a high performance unit is a shared goal - with many here and other 930 owners, wherever they may be. We belong to a like minded group who are hopelessly addicted to the 930, Porsche in general, and a pursuit of going ever faster. Some claim desire this is a virility complex. Eff them. This is an intellectual and mechanical pursuit that can best be compared to a cave dweller who faced a life style dilemma. That man considered, innovated, and found new and improved ways to tame the challenges he faced. A sleeker spear with sharper tip; an improved bow that delivered a more accurate and thereby more lethal arrow; a stronger, more durable sling; are a few of the advances our predecessors created. This desire to improve upon what was given us is an intellectual lineage we share with our forebearers; and, one another.

Addiction? What else do you term a speed and handling obsession that requires a large financial outlay no matter what the condition of the 930 was when you bought it, or your income? You either PAY on the front end to avoid extensive repairs, or you PAY on the back end = extensive repairs. Those of us who are seriously addicted will PAY even after buying a low mileage, pristine, 930. It is dubious which path is least expensive. Either path leads to the same destination. So... let's table this philosophical and fiscal debate and move on to the project...

My Toolkit:
(Most of the tools purchased are Craftsman brand)

Standard Metric socket set - deep and standard lengths. I will use a compressor so impact sockets of both varieties are also included. 4mm - 27mm

Universal / Flex head sockets – most used sizes

Metric T- Handle "Allen"/Hex keys - standard and extra long lengths I also purchased a ratchet drive set of these

A Very Good Electronic diagnostic tool – Ohms, voltage, amperage, and continuity functions are a must.
I got a Fluke Open Jaw unit.

Metric Box and open end wrenches – to 30mm

Small Metric wrench set – for the tiny stuff.

Flex head and standard ratchet handles. ¼”, 3/8” and ½” drives.

Dial click torque wrenches - inch pounds and foot pounds

Digital timing light

Wheel and bearing pullers.

A small tool chest on wheels – 5=drawer

3HP 30 gallon compressor with assorted hoses, adapters, and tools: Ratchet(s) 3/8 and 1/2, hammer/chisel,

Various hand tools: pliers, screwdrivers, electrical crimper, side cutters, etc…

Floor jack - 2 ton+, lowprofile

Jack stands – 2 ton +

Creeper

Engine stand, “H” style, and Porsche motor adapter

Your wife or girlfriend’s hair dyer for shrink tubing.

There are also specialty Porsche tools which I will list in the posts where these are used. I priced the specialty tools around the web from a dozen vendors...

Pelican Parts offers the best price.


I will report as this project moves forward. As soon as the electrical service is connected to the garage, I will begin in earnest.

The Pelican community has provided me valuable information and insight, as well as, a parts resource. I owe all of you at Pelican a history of my experiences to add to the knowledge base.

Youfamissim

[cole930]

Youfamissim:

From your join date it is obvious you have been lurking around a while. Wanted to give you some food for thought before you get started.

1. You need Porsche Manuals, if you search you can find down loadable copies on the net. You need to buy our hosts books 101 Projects and How to Build and Modify 911 Engines, also Bruce Anderson's Porsche 911 Performance Handbook.

2. Make sure you know how to use the search features here on the forum. That search function is the greatest resource short of the factory itself.

3. Add a signature at the bottom of your forum page so we know what we are working with. What car do you have and what mods exist. That makes it much easier for us to answer questions.

4. MOST IMPORTANT !!!! Before you go off on some wild tangent sit down and decide how you are actually going to use this car; street car, track car, or both. That alone will determine what need to buy and how much you are going to have to spend. Understand that there is a big difference in comfort, ease of use, and drivability based on that one initial decision. Also, 350-400HP is very attainable with bolt on mods only and if you don't have to tear into the engine to get what you want that will save a lot of money. Is this build going to be one big project or are you going to add things as you continue to use the car. Decide what mods will get you what your looking for and then plan a progression of modification that gets you there the most efficiently. PLAN YOUR WORK AND THEN WORK YOUR PLAN !!!!

Cole

[full quack]

I agree with Cole....you really need to sit down and honestly decide your intended end goal.
It is very easy to build these cars so that they are either pleasant OR challenging to drive. It takes the exact same amount of money to yield very different results.
My car is a good example of someone NOT caring what the comfort level is, and only interested in improved handling & stance...it is not for everyone. Others put their cars together so they are softer to ride in & give up a little edgy performance for the comfort.
Soooo.....what is it that you are REALLY looking for? Do you have speed bumps in your world? Steep driveways? Potholes? Do you care about the cars weight? Can you live without A/C?
The list of up front questions goes on & on.
My .02
Mark

[RarlyL8]

Welcome!
We are here to help and enjoy doing so. However, if you don't post a picture of your car soon you will be banished.

[patkeefe]

Pirsig would be proud of you.

[IMR-Merlin]

Cole has solid advice. I am fairly new to this forum and I am in the process of a build myself. Once I source the trans, I am starting my work.

I found with big projects that it is good to have a completion date. This helps keep me motivated in the colder months.

And this thread needs a few pictures. =)

Here is how I purchased my 930 and I am only a construction worker/ex race mechanic so I totally understand your "Addiction" description.